Mindless musings on Hollywood, Los Angeles, the business of Entertainment, Dodgers baseball, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Disneyland, Aeronautics, NASA, Man-In-Space and any other things that annoy, appeal and amuse me.
Contact Us: ladodgerjon@hotmail.com

Monday, February 13, 2006

How The Lone Ranger Built Disneyland

Before I start, know that Hollywood Thoughts is a very big fan of Disneyland.

That said, our friend from Tabloid Baby visited Disneyland yesterday but didn't have the time - or the inclination - to visit the neighboring Disney theme park called 'California Adventure.'

He's not the first.

Let's face it: to most folks, Disney's California Adventure (DCA) is a misfire.

Bit-O-Trivia: More than fifty percent of Disneyland's guests are locals (arriving from within a 50 mile radius).

Armed with that knowledge, I ask you this question: Who wants to make the drive from Santa Monica (or Tarzana... or Long Beach... or Inglewood... or from any nearby locale) to watch a pair of humanoid Watts Towers dance down the parade route (like I did)? Or gaze upon mini replicas of Hollywood Boulevard buildings? Or get blasted with the fake stink of pine trees whilst 'paragliding' over a northern California forest?

Hey, Disney, I live here. I can get the real deal everyday of the year... for free. I don't need a $50 'park hopper' to enjoy real California pine trees.

Yeah, yeah. I know. DCA was also built to satisfy foreign travelers who don't have the time to see and experience all that California has to offer. A second 'gate' also keeps visitors on Disney property for more days. More days, more Disney dollars spent.

That said, ever wonder how DCA got built?

The Lone Ranger's dad died.

But let's get started by getting into our Astro Blasters and zip back to 1954:

Jack Wrather was a prominent figure in Hollywood. He was also married to former actress, Bonita Granville. When Walt Disney ran short of money during the very early days of Disneyland, Wrather offered to build the Disneyland hotel. The two men were pals and Disney gladly accepted the offer. Now he could relax knowing his visitors would have a nearby decent night's lodging. To sweeten the pot, Disney later extended a spur from the monorail to the hotel's entrance-- a unique feature that set Wrather's carpet joint apart from the ricky-ticky overnight dives that lined Harbor Boulevard.

Flash forward several decades to Wrather's death.

The newly widowed Bonita Granville phoned the Disney studios with an offer: now that her husband was dead, Bonita wanted to unload most of his holdings. They included his entire film and TV library (of which the "Lone Ranger" series was a part). Wrather also held the operating contract for the Long Beach Queen Mary... and, of course, the deed to the Disneyland Hotel.

Disney agreed to pay for the film library and the hotel.

Bonita played hardball. 'Take everything... or nothing.' Disney wanted absolutely nothing to do with the run-down and under-visited Queen Mary. In twenty years time, several operators of the floating hotel had come and gone. None were able to generate success in Long Beach.

Bonita threatened to sell to the highest bidder (you go, girl!).

With visions of a monorail depositing tourists to some sort of cheesy lap-dance-and-all-you-can-eat-buffet bistro, Disney capitulated and bought-out Bonita. Disney could now rightly claim the namesake hotel as their own. They also got a giant boat in the port of Long Beach.

Disney, like the others before them, could find no way to generate additional dollars through the Queen's turnstiles. A second gate-- a seaside theme park (similar to the old Pacific Ocean Park) was suggested as a way of getting more visitors to the Long Beach landmark. Plans were drawn, and hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on designing every aspect of the new Disney/ Long Beach park.

Disney thought they had a slam dunk concept: the new "Disney Seas" would revitalize Long Beach and keep the Queen alive. Who wouldn't want a Disney theme park with an ocean view?

Apparently the Long Beach city council.

Disney was told to get lost. Cutting their losses, The Burbank-based company dumped the Queen Mary contract as quickly as possible, and floated their Disney Seas concept to Tokyo Disneyland. Japan's Disney Seas park is a hit.

The Queen Mary continues to struggle.

Interestingly, Disney was also snubbed around the same time by the residents of Virginia when they tried building a "Disney's America" theme park within sight of some historic Civil War battle sites. I guess a bloodied, bandaged, and kepi-wearing Mickey Mouse was too much for relatives of Great-great-great Grandpas lost in the Battle of Spotsylvania.

Final Stretch: Our trip returns to Disneyland's parking lot-- home of DCA.

From the get-go, DCA has been regarded by critics -- and guests -- as being a failure. The park is accused of being derivative. Many feel that DCA is too "off the shelf"-- a term that refers to the attractions as not seeming 'uniquely Disney.'

Here's my prediction:

DCA ultimately fails to bring-in the requisite operating dollars. Disney will get their "America" park. DCA's Santa Cruz boardwalk will be transformed into a turn-of-the-century Coney Island. The San Francisco section will be made over into Boston's waterfront (can anyone say, "Tea Party Flume ride"?). The Edwards Air Force Base ripoff will suddenly become, "The Kennedy Space Center Moon Shot," and the Hollywood land section will be shoved outside the park's security fences (where the general public will be allowed to visit free of charge like today's Downtown Disney). It's here where wrung-out 'Tourist Daddys' (the kids safely tucked-away for the night in the Disney Hotel), will be able to hire a 'Disney Escort' for a fun-filled Disney-night.

I Want to divid with you medicine which rescue the lifes of peoples. These tablets rescued not one groups of ten peoples. If you not don't care fates of the sick people that, please not deletes this message. This message can read the person who these preparations rescue the life!!!!

On October 18 2007 the Company opened its first center in Canada in the. Author Andrew Dawson Title Faxless Cash Advance Payday Loans On The Spot. In case he requires an extension for the faxless cash advances repayment date. I tend to pay down on the mortgage rather than create a large. Seller got the purchase price of its land in cash and buyer got the deed to. [url=http://viiumft.rahuketu.net/map.html]cash advance student loans bankruptcy[/url] Call or come by today to see how easy it is to get an Express Loan with First.

Hello, Neat post. There's an issue along with your web site in internet explorer, might test this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a big component to other people will pass over your fantastic writing due to this problem.Take a look at my site : online blackjack money

Hi there! I could have sworn I've been to this web site before but after going through a few of the articles I realized it's new to me.Regardless, I'm definitely happy I found it and I'll be bookmarking it and checking back often!Check out my weblog ... Play Slots on Line

This design is incredible! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.Too cool!Take a look at my web page ; mobile casino slots

I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.Review my web site ... Slots Online Real Money

Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog.I too am an aspiring blog writer but I'm still new to everything. Do you have any recommendations for newbie blog writers? I'd really appreciate it.Here is my blog postgolf affiliate programs

Hi! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm thinking about setting up my own but I'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions? With thanksMy webpage > easy ways to earn money fast

What's Taking place i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads.I'm hoping to contribute & help different customers like its helped me. Good job.Also visit my website : how to make money on internet

Hey I am so thrilled I found your blog, I really found you by mistake,while I was looking on Aol for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a fantastic post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the awesome jo.my webpage :: play slots for real money

Right here is the right web site for everyone who really wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that's been written about for a long time. Great stuff, just wonderful!Also visit my web site : play Casino blackjack for Real money

Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate!He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!Also visit my web blogmoney blackjack online

Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?I'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!Also visit my web site ; bancorpsouth

An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me lunch simply because I discovered it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this matter here on your blog.Also see my webpage > Online Trading Academy

My partner and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I may as well check things out.I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to checking out your web page repeatedly.Look at my weblog ; top online casinos usa

I do trust all of the ideas you have introduced on your post.They are really convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless,the posts are very quick for starters. May just you please prolong them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.Also visit my web site - online casinos usa

I believe this is one of the such a lot important info for me.And i'm satisfied studying your article. But should commentary on few common things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is actually nice : D. Excellent process, cheersFeel free to surf my blog post ... play video slots

Hello, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.When I look at your blog site in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, awesome blog!Take a look at my homepage : usa online gambling

Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in truth was once a enjoyment account it. Look complex to more brought agreeable from you!By the way, how could we keep in touch?Review my web blog :: forex at cedarfinance.com

It's genuinely very difficult in this full of activity life to listen news on TV, so I only use the web for that purpose, and take the hottest information.Feel free to surf my homepage :: free on line slot machine games

May I simply say what a comfort to find someone who really knows what they're talking about online. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people really need to look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you're not more popular given that you most certainly possess the gift.Here is my weblog : work from home

Woah! I'm really enjoying the template/theme of this site. It's simple, yet effective.A lot of times it's tough to get that "perfect balance" between superb usability and appearance. I must say you have done a amazing job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Firefox. Superb Blog!Also see my web site: forex trading programs

It's in fact very complicated in this active life to listen news on Television, therefore I just use world wide web for that purpose, and take the most up-to-date information.My website > learning forex trading

I'm not sure exactly why but this blog is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I'll check back later and see if the problem still exists.Look into my page - iraqi dinar forex

Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be useful to read through articles from other authors and practice a little something from their sites.Check out my blog post ; real cash online

Hey this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!My web page - work at home job reviews

Greetings from Carolina! I'm bored at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can't wait to take a look when I get home.I'm amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good blog!Also visit my weblog : job finder

An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a friend who has been doing a little research on this. And he actually ordered me dinner because I stumbled upon it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this topic here on your web page.Also see my web page > legal online jobs

I've read several just right stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you put to make one of these great informative website.Feel free to surf my blog post ; slot Online

Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I'm trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.Feel free to visit my weblog ... trading forum

Hello, Neat post. There's an issue together with your site in web explorer, would check this? IE still is the market chief and a good part of other folks will miss your excellent writing because of this problem.Review my web site ; Tdameritrade Institutional

Howdy! This blog post could not be written much better!Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!He continually kept talking about this. I'll send this post to him. Fairly certain he'll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!My websiteBest Binary Options Broker

Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs?I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would appreciate your work.If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.When I look at your website in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, wonderful blog!

You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand.It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I'm looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

A person essentially lend a hand to make critically articles I would state.This is the very first time I frequented your website page and up to now?I amazed with the research you made to create this actual post incredible.Fantastic process!

I usually do not create many comments, but i did a few searching and wound up here "How The Lone Ranger Built Disneyland".

And I do have a few questions for you if it's allright. Could it be simply me or does it look like some of the comments come across like they are written by brain dead individuals? :-P And, if you are writing at other social sites, I would like to keep up with everything new you have to post. Would you list of all of your shared sites like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?

Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog.A great read. I will definitely be back.

I absolutely love your website.. Very nice colors & theme.Did you develop this website yourself? Please reply back as I'm trying to create my own personal site and would love to learn where you got this from or what the theme is named. Appreciate it!

hello there and thank you for your information – I've definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical points using this web site, as I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I'm adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Make sure you update this again soon.

I'm very happy to discover this web site. I wanted to thank you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every little bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to check out new information on your web site.

This design is wicked! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained.Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.You have done a marvellous job!

Right here is the perfect site for anyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa).You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that's been written about for many years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, very good blog!

Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.I'll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I'll definitely comeback.

Hello, Neat post. There is an issue together with your site in web explorer, might test this?IE still is the marketplace leader and a big part of other people will pass over your great writing due to this problem.

Good day! I could have sworn I've been to this web site before but after looking at a few of the posts I realized it's new to me. Anyways, I'm definitely pleased I stumbled upon it and I'll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

Thanks for a marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back someday.I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice day!

Pretty component to content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to say that I get in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing for your augment and even I fulfillment you get right of entry to persistently rapidly.

Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I'd figured I'd ask.Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you're interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!

I've been surfing on-line more than 3 hours as of late, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely worth sufficient for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the net shall be a lot more useful than ever before.

you are in point of fact a excellent webmaster.The site loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you're doing any distinctive trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have done a wonderful process in this topic!

Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google,and found that it is truly informative. I'm going to watch out for brussels. I'll appreciate if you continue this in future.A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.Cheers!

Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog website?The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

After looking at a few of the blog posts on your blog, I truly appreciate your way of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website too and let me know your opinion.

Thank you for some other informative blog. Where else may just I get that kind of info written in such an ideal approach?I have a venture that I'm simply now operating on, and I have been on the glance out for such info.

I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Studying this information So i am glad to exhibit that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I so much unquestionably will make certain to don?t fail to remember this website and give it a glance on a constant basis.

Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I've truly loved surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing for your feed and I hope you write once more soon!

It is the best time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have learn this post and if I may I want to counsel you some attention-grabbing issues or advice.Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.I want to read even more issues approximately it!

I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it's really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I'll appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing.

With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation?My blog has a lot of unique content I've either authored myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any solutions to help protect against content from being ripped off? I'd certainly appreciate it.

This is the right site for anyone who would like to find out about this topic.You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa).You certainly put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for decades. Excellent stuff, just excellent!

I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog.I'm hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal website now ;)

Hello there! This article couldn't be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I am going to forward this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. Thanks for sharing!

A lot of times it's difficult to get that "perfect balance" between user friendliness and visual appeal. I must say that you've done a awesome job with this. Additionally, the blog loads super quick for me on Safari. Exceptional Blog!

I do not leave a comment, but after looking at through a few of the responses on "How The Lone Ranger Built Disneyland".I actually do have a couple of questions for you if it's okay. Could it be simply me or does it look like some of these responses come across as if they are coming from brain dead folks? :-P And, if you are writing at additional sites, I would like to keep up with you. Would you make a list of every one of your public pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?

Simply desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness on your put up is simply excellent and i can think you're an expert in this subject. Fine together with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay up to date with approaching post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.

Hi there, I discovered your site by means of Google even as searching for a related topic, your website came up, it appears good.I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.Hi there, just become alert to your blog via Google, and found that it is really informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels.I'll be grateful if you happen to continue this in future. Lots of people might be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

Hey would you mind letting me know which hosting company you're working with? I've loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks, I appreciate it!